Paul Merson has urged Arsenal to make a decisive statement this summer by investing heavily in attack, claiming that a £190 million double swoop for Julian Alvarez and Desire Doué could transform the Gunners into an unstoppable force capable of dominating both domestically and in Europe.
The former Arsenal midfielder, speaking on the Sports Agents podcast, believes Mikel Arteta’s side have already achieved something remarkable by ending their 22-year Premier League title drought. However, he insists that to elevate their ambitions further — particularly in the Champions League — the north London club must act boldly in the transfer market.
“What Arsenal have done is amazing, but they’ve got to go out now, for me, and buy that real, real… You know, I think Doué as well at PSG,” Merson said. “I would like a Doué and an Alvarez, and if they got them, then wow – I dread to think who’s going to stop Arsenal!”
The proposed £190m (€220m) deal would see Arsenal target two of the most exciting young attackers in European football. Julian Alvarez, valued in the €120m range, has long been on the Gunners’ radar as they seek a clinical centre-forward with pace and quality. Meanwhile, Desire Doué at Paris Saint-Germain represents a dynamic left-sided option who could add flair and creativity to Arteta’s attack.
Despite Arsenal’s impressive campaign, which included Premier League glory, the season ended with frustration. The Gunners fell short in the Champions League final against Paris Saint-Germain and also lost the Carabao Cup final. Merson believes these near-misses highlight the need for greater cutting edge up front.
“They’re screaming out for a centre forward with pace. I think if they can get a centre forward with pace, who’s electric, then I think they’ll dominate, and I think they’ve got every chance of the Champions League next year,” he added.
Merson is convinced that Arsenal’s title success marks the beginning of a new era of dominance, describing the squad as “a proper solid football team with solid seven, eight out of 10 players, week in, week out.” Yet he maintains that top-tier reinforcements are essential to bridge the gap to consistent European success.
However, such ambitious spending would likely require difficult decisions. Merson raised eyebrows by suggesting that Arsenal may need to consider parting ways with one of their most cherished players to help finance the incoming transfers. Discussing captain Martin Ødegaard, the pundit admitted: “It’s madness for me to be saying this, but they probably will be thinking about that [selling Odegaard].”
Merson argued that Ødegaard’s creative role demands more pace in front of him, implying the Norwegian’s potential departure could reshape the team’s dynamic. That said, sources close to the club indicate that Arteta is determined to keep his captain and is working towards a new long-term contract.
Arsenal are also exploring options on the wing, with confirmed interest in several left-sided attackers, including a standout Premier League talent who could command a fee approaching £100m. Sporting director Andrea Berta and Arteta are carefully planning their summer business to strengthen the squad without disrupting its core balance.
While Julian Alvarez has reportedly prioritised a move to Barcelona, Merson’s call for a major double investment reflects a growing belief that Arsenal are now in a position to compete at the absolute highest level — provided they make the right moves in the coming weeks.
Whether the club follows Merson’s bold blueprint remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: after finally reclaiming the Premier League crown, expectations at the Emirates Stadium have never been higher.